Hurricane Aftermath: Florida Sees Record-Breaking Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases

According to data from the state health department, Florida has experienced a spike in cases of flesh-eating bacteria in recent weeks after back-to-back hurricanes caused heavy rain and floods in several areas of the state.

According to the most recent data from the Florida Department of Health, the number of Vibrio vulnificus cases in 2024 has surpassed the 74 cases in 2022, when the state was struck by Hurricane Ian and other destructive hurricanes.

The report also reveals that 13 deaths statewide have been connected to Vibrio vulnificus infections this year.

When hurricanes and tropical storms force a mixture of fresh and saltwater upstream into canals and rivers, a naturally occurring but potentially lethal bacterial illness called Vibrio vulnificus flourishes in warm floodwaters. Debris, sewage, and contaminants are carried by the water.

Anyone with an open wound, such as a cut, can become infected by the bacteria, which can quickly degrade the skin and soft tissue surrounding the area. Treatment for the illness can be lethal, and limb amputation may be necessary to arrest the fast degradation of the flesh.

In a news release prior to Hurricane Milton’s Category 3 landfall, which pushed a wall of water ashore and dumped rain across the state, the state health department warned that, “While floodwaters are present, there is an increased risk of Vibrio infections, such as Vibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening.”

“Vibriobacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water,” the state health department continued. “After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments.”

Vibrio vulnificus cases increased most in the Tampa Bay area after Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26. Prior to Helene, Hillsborough County had only one case reported while Pinellas County had none.

However, according to state health department data, as of Sunday, Hillsborough County had eight confirmed cases, while Pinellas County had 14.

According to data from the state health department, Florida reported six confirmed cases in September before Helene swept across the state, but by the end of the month, that number had quickly increased to 23 cases. The number of verified Vibrio vulnificus infections has increased to 38 since Helene and Milton.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) receives reports of 150 to 200 Vibrio vulnificus cases nationwide year. According to the CDC, around one in five people pass away from this virus, sometimes within a day or two of getting sick.

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Where in Florida are the flesh-eating bacterial cases?

Health officials issued “no swim” advice during the recent hurricanes until testing could identify the levels of germs at popular beach locations.

Last week, tests revealed acceptable bacterial levels in accordance with state requirements, lifting the advisories in Lee County and at most beaches in Collier County.

The Florida Department of Health has provided the following breakdown of cases by county:

According to the state health agency, Helene and Milton caused unusual increases in the counties of Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota.

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